An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan can be performed to help determine if there is any spread of prostate cancer outside of the prostate (to see if the cancer is localised or locally advanced). It can also sometimes be used to look at the bones and the lymph nodes.
The test is performed in the X-ray department, but rather than using X-rays it uses radiowaves controlled by a powerful magnet to produce an image. You will be asked to lie on a flat table, which will travel in and out of a tube containing these magnets whilst pictures are taken. You will not feel anything but some people who suffer from claustrophobia may find this test difficult. Also people who have bits of magnetisable metal in their body, such as iron fragments in the eye from welding, cannot have this test, in which case a CT scan may be performed instead.
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